Athletes from Ebola-hit nations barred from some Youth Olympics events

Athletes from Ebola-hit countries in west Africa have been barred from competing in some sports in the Youth Olympics that open in China at the weekend, the International Olympic Committee and Chinese organisers said on Friday.

“Athletes from affected areas will not compete in combat sports” and “it was also decided that no athletes from the region would compete in the pool”, the organisers said in an official statement.

The decision, which affects two athletes in combat sports and one in pool events, was made “with regard to ensuring the safety of all those participating” in the Games taking place in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, the statement said.